Germany Investigates Russian Group
In Possible Case of Money Laundering

By

Caspar Dohmen Handelsblatt

Updated Jan. 16, 2001 12:01 a.m. ET

DUESSELDORF, Germany -- German state prosecutors are investigating a Russian-based business group suspected of laundering billions of euros through Germany's Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale and other European banks.

Duesseldorf prosecutor Michael Schwarz confirmed the inquiry, but didn't name the Russian group or give more details. German media reports said a Russian group involved in the raw-materials industry is suspected of...